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Vseviov: our efforts in ensuring our security must focus on results

13. June 2017 - 10:18

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence said at the high-level Defence and Security Conference Prague that when it comes to developing the European Union's defence dimension the focus must be placed on specific and practically constructive solutions for the field of defence

‘During these difficult times, we must prove that we are able to do what we have promised. The European Union's combat groups, which do exist, but have thus far never been used due to a complicated financing scheme, are a good example. Along with managing the EU's defence dimension and enhancing defence related development activity, we must bring the usability of combat groups into focus in the EU,' said Vseviov.

‘I am pleased that defence questions have risen into focus in the European Union. Now, we must make sure that we achieve actual results,' said Vseviov. ‘During our forthcoming presidency, we plan to focus in particular on achieving practical results in the discussions to be held over more efficient defence cooperation within the European Union.’

The main speakers at the high-level security conference will be President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker; High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini; European Commission Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness Jyrki Katainen; NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller; and foreign and defence ministers from the Czech Republic and France.

In his speech, Juncker called on Europe to considerably strengthen defence cooperation.

‘Europe can no longer buy-in its defence from abroad', said Juncker, calling on EU Member States to spend more on defence and to do so more efficiently.

Subject related news

Minister of Defence Jüri Luik met today with the Swedish Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist, and General Micael Byden, Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces. The defence ministers discussed the security situation that has developed in the Baltic Sea region, the start of the Zapad training exercise, and the topic of Aurora.

General Darren W. McDew, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, and Jonatan Vseviov, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, discussed questions regarding the deployment of forces in Europe at their meeting.